Colts Clinch South Title, but Record Put on Hold

Indianapolis Colt quarterback Peyton Manning said he got exactly what he wanted Sunday, even without getting Dan Marino’s single-season touchdown passes record.

The Colts won the game and clinched a playoff berth, beating Houston, 23-14, to earn their second consecutive AFC South title.

“The idea was to get the win. That was the whole idea,” Manning said. “You don’t want to let these opportunities slip away ... I need to do whatever it takes to win, and whatever happens along with it is great.”

Manning threw touchdown passes on the first two Colt drives to get within two of Marino’s 20-year-old record of 48 touchdowns in a season.

But Indianapolis (10-3) didn’t get into the end zone again. Manning still broke one of Marino’s records, but not the one that had heightened media attention.

It was his 13th consecutive multi-touchdown game, breaking a record held by Marino, Johnny Unitas, Don Meredith and Brett Favre. Unitas was the only other to do it at the beginning of a season, for the Colts 45 years ago in the midst of his record 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass.

After Manning’s fast start, the Colts settled for three field goals by Mike Vanderjagt (30, 43 and 44 yards) in the second half.

With a chance to become the first NFL team to score 40 points in five consecutive games, the Colts had a season low 23. Manning didn’t have at least three touchdown passes for the first time in nine games.

“Every game makes you better, as long as you win,” Manning said.

With the Colts’ fifth playoff berth in his seven seasons secured, Manning has three games to catch Marino. Manning completed 26 of 33 passes for 298 yards.

Reggie Wayne added seven catches for 96 yards, including a 12-yard scoring play for the Colts. Edgerrin James ran for 104 yards in 28 carries and had seven catches for 54 yards.

Domanick Davis had 128 yards rushing, including a touchdown, and 73 yards receiving for Houston (5-8).

“If we win and hold him down, it would be OK,” Texan linebacker Jamie Sharper said, taking no solace in Manning’s throwing only two touchdowns. “We lost, so it really doesn’t matter.”